Largest ferry worker union ratifies contract

JUNEAU (AP) — The largest union representing workers on the Alaska Marine Highway System has ratified a three-year contract.

The state Department of Administration on Tuesday announced the ratification by The Inlandboatmen's Union of the Pacific.

Commissioner Curtis Thayer said the state looked forward to continuing to work toward ratification of new contracts with the other two unions representing ferry workers.

Earlier this month, one of the other unions, the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, announced its members had rejected a tentative agreement that union negotiators reached with the state. Some members weren't happy with the proposed wage increases.